One of my favorite times during middle school camp was our small group time. During one discussion, I asked what was holding them back from a relationship with Jesus. One of the students, Grace*, stated it was fear of failing. I asked her to elaborate. I thought she was going to discuss making mistakes, but she took a different turn. She stated that she sees the condition of her family and some of the family members’ disbelief in the Father. She went on to say that the Lord told her she would be the catalyst and that her belief could help change her family for the better. However, she did not feel worthy of that responsibility, plus she did not want to let her family down. Our best conversations surrounding this topic came after camp. We walked through 1 Peter 4: 10-11 which states:
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
We talked through the God-given gifts she has that serve both her family and others. She has a way of speaking life into others where they always walk away feeling loved, seen, and heard. It has been a tremendous blessing to see her share the things she has learned with a family member that is her age. They’re both learning and walking through what it looks like to share their faith and their God-given gifts together.
*Name changed to protect the student
